Tara Lynn Gray Highlights California’s Investment in Small Business Success

In California, small businesses—from sole proprietorships to SMEs—constitute approximately 99% of all enterprises, driving over 7 million jobs. Recognizing their significance, Governor Jerry Brown established the Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) in 2012, incorporating it with the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. In 2021, Dr. Tara Lynn Gray took office as the 5th Director of CalOSBA, advocating for California’s 4 million-plus small enterprises. She provides insights on state resources, funding opportunities, and communicates their needs to policymakers.During a May 19 roundtable with Black media leaders in Sacramento, Gray highlighted CalOSBA's initiatives, including the permanent funding of the Small Business Technical Assistance Program, rebranded as SCALE, aimed at fostering growth and opportunity. Acknowledging systemic barriers for underserved entrepreneurs, Gray stressed the importance of democratizing capital access and promoting economic mobility while emphasizing that every small business owner deserves recognition and support as they pursue their dreams.